Food for thought Johns Top 10

I came across these again recently, something I had written in a "past life." I think they are as true now as they were when I wrote them.

A top 10 of leading and for those working in a technology business.

• There is always an exception – focus on getting the rules straight and 90% of things will be easier. Deal with exceptions when they arise and if you can then make rules for these exceptions even better

• It’s an increasingly complex world—simplify what we can (KISS: Keep It Simple Stupid). Soon, there will be more complicated issues to deal with.

• Change is constant – don’t be surprised when something is different tomorrow. Change is not always bad don't fear it embrace it.

• Choose your battles– we can only fix so many things at once – see also 1 focus on the rules, leaving time to deal with the exceptions. Don't worry about things you can't control or influence.

• You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it – Sometimes the same proposal raised a few months later or with more evidence, will result in more success than when tried the first time. Don't give up but also learn when to step back and revisit at a later date. Or when to quit.

• Fix it properly (FIP)—If you have to make a temporary shortcut to fix an urgent problem, that’s OK, but we must ensure we have the follow-up to fix it well and try to avoid using stop-gap solutions where they are not needed. It's not resolved until it's resolved properly, and short-term fixes also tend to create long-term problems if they are not addressed.

• Accuracy Do it right - While there are times when we have to do it quickly, our default operating mode must be to do it right.

• Remember the three C's - Communication, Communication and Communication, ensure the right people have the right information at the right time. Ensure you have the right information to make informed decisions.

• Just because someone says something it doesn't make it true - Check your facts. For example, I told you there were 10 top sayings, but there are only 8. And I just said there were 8 when there are 9. Check your facts, and check with the right people.

So what are your thoughts? What would be in your top 10